ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Rural Development
NABARD sanctions over ₹ 8504.30 lakh under RIDF scheme to Government of Goa during 2020-21
NABARD has sanctioned loans worth ₹ 8504.30 lakh under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund  to the Government of Goa for various Social Infrastructure Projects in the State. With this, NABARD achieved 100% of the target fixed for sanction to the State Government during 2020-21; said Smt Usha Ramesh, General Manager/OiC, NABARD. She further stated that RIDF was instituted in NABARD with the sole objective of giving low cost support to State Governments and State owned Corporations for quick completion of projects related to medium and minor irrigation, soil conservation and others forms of rural infrastructure. The social infrastructure created out of the projects sanctioned to sewerage, bio digester toilets, drinking water distribution, primary health centre, etc. in the State would definitely help not only the standard of living of the people in the state but also would contribute to Prime Ministers ‘ Swachh Bharat Mission’.
NABARD/VK/PK
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Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Advisory on rooftop solar scheme
To generate solar power by installing solar panels on the roof of the houses, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India is implementing Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Scheme . Under this scheme Ministry is providing 40% subsidy for the first 3 kW and 20% subsidy beyond 3 kW and upto 10 kW. The scheme is being implemented in the states by local Electricity Distribution Companies .
It has been brought to the notice of the Ministry that some rooftop solar companies / vendors are setting up rooftop solar plants by claiming that they are authorized vendors by the Ministry. It is clarified that no vendor has been authorized by the Ministry. This scheme is being implemented in the state only by DISCOMs. The DISCOMs have empaneled vendors through bidding process and have decided rates for setting up a rooftop solar plant.
Almost all the DISCOMs have issued online process for this purpose. Residential consumers willing to set-up a rooftop solar plant under MNRE scheme can apply online and get rooftop solar plants installed by listed vendors. For this, they have to pay the cost of rooftop solar plant by reducing the subsidy amount given by the Ministry as per the prescribed rate to the vendor. The process of which is given on the online portal of the DISCOMs. The subsidy amount will be provided to the vendors by the Ministry through the DISCOMs. Domestic consumers are informed that to get subsidy under the scheme of the Ministry, they should install rooftop solar plants only from the empanelled vendors of the DISCOMs following due process of approval by DISCOMs.
The solar panels and other equipment to be installed by the empanelled vendors shall be as per the standard and specifications of the Ministry and also includes 5-year maintenance of the rooftop solar plant by the vendor.
It has also been brought to the notice of the Ministry that some vendors are charging more price than the rates decided by DISCOMs from domestic consumers, which is incorrect. Consumers are advised to pay only according to the rates decided by DISCOMs. The DISCOMs have been instructed to identify and punish such vendors.
For more information, contact the concerned DISCOM or dial MNRE's toll free number 1800-180-3333. Click on https://solarrooftop.gov.in/grid_others/discomPortalLinks to know the online portal of your DISCOM.
Ministry of Railways
Report in Social Media that Railways is going to cancel Special Train Services from March 31 is misleading
Kolkata, March 16, 2021
In reference to some news report in social media that Railways is going to cancel its trains which are currently operational from March 31, 2021 is totally misleading and not based on facts, stated the railway authority in a press release on Tuesday .
Wrong news clips are being circulated in social media. It is to be informed that the video being circulated is last year's news peddled on Tuesday. Indian Railways has not made any such announcement.
Hence, the express trains and suburban trains currently operational as special trains will continue to run. The railway authority has also requested that the passengers should follow Covid protocol while travelling.
Competition Commission of India
CCI approves proposed acquisition of 100% shares and control of Tech Data Corporation by Tiger Midco LLC
The Competition Commission of India  approves the proposed acquisition of 100% shares and control of Tech Data Corporation by Tiger Midco LLC.
The proposed combination relates to the acquisition of Tech Data Corporation  by Tiger Midco LLC  by way of merger of Tech Data with a wholly owned subsidiary of Tiger Midco, viz., Merger Sub.
Tiger Midco is a special purpose vehicle set up and managed by investment funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Management, L.P. that manage funds invested in equity and debt issued by entities involved in various businesses throughout the world.
Tech Data, a NASDAQ listed corporation, is active globally in the wholesale distribution of technology products and solutions to resellers. Tech Data is present in India through a subsidiary, Tech Data Advanced Solutions  Pvt. Ltd. .
The detailed order of the CCI will follow.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID19 Vaccination- update
Co-WIN Digital Platform continues to work without any Technical Glitch on the First Day of Registration of the Expanded Eligible Population Groups
More than 80 lakh people registered themselves
383 million API hits within first 3 hours 
Vaccination is a critical component of the containment and management strategy of the Government of India in its fight against the COVID Pandemic. A Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of Covid-19 Vaccination will be implemented from 1st May 2021. Registration for the new eligible population groups commenced today from 4pm.Potential beneficiaries can register directly on CoWINportal  or through the Aarogya Setu app.
The Co-WIN software is a robust, dependable and agile technology. It offers anytime anywhere registration for COVID19 vaccination.The capacity of the servers and other parameters have been ramped up to match the unprecedented scale of immunization so that the COWIN system provide citizen-centricservices .Inclusivity, speed and scalability have been kept in mind while designing the unique digital platform with all components being portable, synchronous without excessive and unnecessary dependencies.
Some of the media reports today suggested that the Co-WIN platform was unresponsive/overshooting the server capacity and was not able to respond to the unprecedented number of registrations taking place. It is clarified that the media reports that the server has crashed are incorrect and are without any basis. The server supporting the Co-Win digital portal continues to work smoothly at its highest efficiency. People are registering on the platform, mostly of age-group 18-44. It witnessed more than 80 lakh people registered themselves on the portal, with 3 hours from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Some of the statistics appertaining to the first three hours  are as follows:
- 383 million API hits, initially as high as 2.7 million hits per minute.
- As many as 1.45 crore SMSs successfully delivered.
These Statistics indicate that far from crashing or performing slowly, the system is performing without any glitches. It is recording 55,000 hits per second and is completely stable.Detailed statistics relating to registration, vaccinations etc., can be seen on dashboard.cowin.gov.in.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Clarification regarding Movement of Persons and Vehicles in Orange Zones, during Two Weeks Lockdown with effect from May 4, 2020
After a comprehensive review of the Lockdown measures to contain the COVID-19 situation in the country, Union Ministry of Home Affairs , issued an Order yesterday, to further extend the Lockdown for a further period of two weeks w.e.f. May 4, 2020.
In order to remove confusion regarding movement of persons and vehicles in orange zones , this clarification has been issued, as below:
In the Orange Zones, in addition to the activities prohibited throughout the country, inter-district and intra-district plying of buses remains prohibited.
Two other activities have been allowed with restrictions:
- Taxis and cab aggregators are permitted, with one driver and two passengers only.
- Inter-district movement of individuals and vehicles is allowed, only for permitted activities, with maximum two passengers, besides the driver, in four wheeler vehicles.
All other activities are allowed in the Orange Zones, without any restrictions.
However, States/UTs based on their assessment and priorities, may choose to permit a lesser number of activities.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development  organizes Induction Training for newly Recruited Chairpersons and Members of CWCs of J&K
National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development  organized an Induction Training for the newly Recruited Chairpersons and Members of CWCs of J&K from June 12 to June 24, 2023 at NIPCCD New Delhi.
Highlights of the fifteen day Induction Training Programme for the newly recruited Chairpersons & Members of CWC of J&K included:
- Conceptual Framework of Child Rights and Protection in India.
- Juvenile Justice Amendment Act, 2021, Model Rules 2016 and Amendment Rules 2022.
- Functioning of CWCs and the role and responsibilities of Chairperson and Members of CWCs.
- Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration.
- Importance of Counselling in the Juvenile Justice System.
- Convergence with Line Departments for Care and Protection of Children in India
UPSC
UPSC held a special meeting today to review the situation prevailing due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Tests and Interviews of some examinations deferred
The Commission considered rapidly changing circumstances, health considerations, lockdown restrictions including social distancing norms and aggravating situation enforced due to the pandemic. The Commission has decided that it will not be possible to conduct examinations and interviews for the present.
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization , Recruitment Test, 2020 scheduled to be held on May 09, 2021 therefore stands deferred. The Personality Tests  of the Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service Examination, 2020 ; the Civil Services Examination, 2020  and the Recruitment Tests are also deferred till further notice.
The dates for the Interviews and Recruitment Test, where candidates and advisers are required to travel from all parts of the country, will be reviewed from time to time. Revised schedules of the same will be notified on the website of the UPSC.
Any other decision of the Commission in respect of the Examinations, Recruitments and Interviews will be promptly made available on the Commission’s website.
As and when dates are decided for the deferred Tests/Interviews, it will be ensured that candidates are given a notice of at least 15 days.
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SNC
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Office of Principal Scientific Advisor to GoI
Community Mental-Health Digital platform MANAS launched by the Principal Scientific Adviser
The Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Prof. K VijayRaghavan virtually launched the “MANAS” App to promote wellbeing across age groups. MANAS which stands for Mental Health and Normalcy Augmentation System was endorsed as a national program by the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council .
MANAS is a comprehensive, scalable, and national digital wellbeing platform and an app developed to augment mental well-being of Indian citizens. MANAS App integrates the health and wellness efforts of various government ministries, scientifically validated indigenous tools with gamified interfaces developed/researched by various national bodies and research institutions.
MANAS was initiated by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. It was jointly executed by NIMHANS Bengaluru, AFMC Pune and C-DAC Bengaluru.
Launching the app Prof. K. VijayRaghavan, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Govt. of India, laid down future directions for the app development and said, “The app must be integrated with the public health schemes like the National Health Mission, Poshan Abhiyan, e-Sanjeevani and others so that it is used widely. Besides, the application must be made multi-lingual.”
Dr. Ketaki Bapat, Scientist F, who conceptualized and led the execution of the mission said in her welcome address, “With a motto of Uttam Mann, Saksham Jan, MANAS as an initiative is intended to build a healthier and happier community, to empower it to nurture its innate potential for building a Swasth and Aatmanirbhar Bharat as envisioned by our Hon’ble PM”
Lieutenant General  Madhuri Kanitkar, Member PM-STIAC, gave an overview of MANAS. She highlighted that MANAS is based on life skills and core psychological process, with universal accessibility, delivering age-appropriate methods and promoting positive attitude focusing on wellness. Catering to the overall wellbeing of people of all age groups, the initial version of MANAS focuses on promoting positive mental health in the age group of 15-35 years.
Appreciating the efforts, Dr.Rajendra Kumar, Additional Secretary MEITY, said that developing apps to cater mental well-being of citizens on scalable, secure and digital platforms is the need of the hour. MEITY has also supported Aarogya Setu and CoWin portal and would be happy to support MANAS further catering to the well-being needs of all age groups.
Dr. S. D. Sudarsan, ED, CDAC, expressed that such apps would increase the quality life of the citizens and would impact the national development in coming years. He thanked all the dignitaries and PSA for his valuable suggestions.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Celebrations of the 3rd Janaushadhi Diwas 2021 kicks off
Janaushadhi Diwas week to be observed from 1st March to 7th March 2021
Theme of 3rd Janaushadhi Diwas: “Seva bhi – Rozgar bhi”
Over 1000 health checkup camps organized today
The 3rd Janaushadhi Diwas 2021 celebrations commenced today. It will be a weeklong celebrations starting today ie from 1st March to 7th March 2021. Jan Aushadhi kendras today conducted Health Checkup Camps across the country. These health check-up camps included Blood Pressure checkup, Sugar level checkup, free doctor consultation, free medicine distribution, etc. at various Jan Aushadhi kendras. More than 1000 health check-up camps at different places were organized today across the country. General public who visited these health camps were also informed and educated about the price benefits and quality of the medicines being sold at Jan Aushadhi kendras.
Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India , the implementing agency of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana  is celebrating 3rd Janaushadhi Diwas on 7th March, 2021 with the theme of “Seva bhi – Rozgar bhi”.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced celebrating 07th March every year as “Janaushadhi Diwas” across India. Last year, on 2nd Janaushadhi Diwas, 5695 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras participated in the celebration with the active participation of over 15 lakh citizens of India. Jan Aushadhi Diwas week celebrations are held from 1st March to 7th March by conducting various activities like Health Checkup Camps, Jan Aushadhi Paricharcha, Teach Them Young, Jan Aushadhi ka sath, etc. across the country.
“Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana” is a noble initiative by Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India which is now making an impact on masses in its endeavour to provide quality medicines at an affordable price. The number of stores has grown to more than 7400 and all 734 districts of the country are covered. Further, during the financial year 2019-20, PMBJP has achieved sales of Rs. 433.61 crores . This has led to savings of approximately Rs. 2500 crores of the common citizens of the country as these medicines are cheaper by 50% to 90% of average market price. In the current financial year 2020-21, sale of Rs. 586.50 Crore is made till 28.02.2021, which has led to savings of about Rs. 3500 Crore to the citizens as compared to the branded medicines. This scheme is also providing a good source of self-employment with sustainable and regular earnings.
President's Secretariat
President of India to Visit Rashtrapati Nilayam, Secunderabad for Southern Sojourn
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, will visit Secunderabad, Telangana for his annual southern sojourn at Rashtrapati Nilayam from December 20 to 28, 2019.
On December 22, 2019, the President will launch a mobile app of the Indian Red Cross Society, Telangana State Branch at Raj Bhavan, Hyderabad.
On December 23, 2019, the President will visit Puducherry where he will address the 27th annual convocation of the Pondicherry University.
On December 25, 2019, the President will visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Vivekananda Kendra in Kanniyakumari.
On December 27, 2019, the President will host a reception for senior dignitaries of the State, Ministers, officials, leading citizens, academics, etc. at the Rashtrapati Nilayam, Secunderabad.
Ministry of Science & Technology
Rural population of Rameswaram empowered through seaweed cultivation & processing
The life of Mrs. Mutha Muthuvel Sambai from Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, has changed for good through training in seaweed cultivation and farming and exposure to the market demands of seaweed. Cutting out the role of the middlemen, she is now directly selling products to the entrepreneurs, thereby increasing her income by around 50 percent.
Mrs. Mutha Muthuvel, a member of the Kanthariamman Society for Seaweed Cultivation and Seaweed Products Production Organization, who is cultivating seaweeds for the last 17 years, is among the 2000 people trained by the Marine Algal Research Station, a unit of the Council Of Scientific And Industrial Research–Central Salt And Marine Chemicals Research Institute  located at Mandapam in Tamil Nadu.
Seaweeds are macroscopic algae, also termed as the ‘Medical Food of the 21st Century’ due to their usage as laxatives. They are also used for making pharmaceutical capsules for treatment of goitre, cancer, bone-replacement therapy, and in cardiovascular surgeries. These numerous uses make seaweed a product highly in demand. Locals have been cultivating it for a long time but lacked the skills necessary for harnessing its full potential. This is where CSIR-CSMCRI stepped in and took up the initiative to impart necessary skills.
CSIR-CSMCRI’s efforts has helped develop skills in cultivating seaweed, employing appropriate technology, enhancing biomass productivity of seaweeds for industrial requirements, and encouraging entrepreneurship development on seaweed-based activities among community-based organizations and Self Help Groups in Mandapam, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat.
The trained locals include many women who are the breadwinners of their families. They are now earning handsome dividends through seaweed farming. Several women groups have benefited, and the capacity built through the CSIR-CSMCRI training and technology have ensured livelihood for the local population and also gone a long way in empowering them.
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SNC/RR
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Ministry of Defence
Rear Admiral Saw Shi Tat, republic of Singapore Navy Visits INS Teg at Djibouti
A delegation led by the Commander Combined Task Force , Rear Admiral Saw Shi Tat, Republic of Singapore Navy, visited INS Teg  on 16 Jul 18. During the interaction, various aspects of anti-piracy operations including CTF 151 modus operandi were discussed.
The Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Mr Anurag Srivastav, and Mr Nalin Kothari, Consulate General, Djibouti also visited the ship at Djibouti harbour on 16 Jul 18. The Ambassador walked around the ship and was given a presentation on IN activities and operations in Gulf of Aden. Subsequently, the ship’s Ops Team had an interaction with the Ambassador on the growing strategic importance of Djibouti and the growing interest of other navies in the region.
DKS/AC
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Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Northern Region Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institute inks Memorandum of Understanding with Mahindra
This strategic partnership aims to foster skill development among the youth, equipping them with necessary expertise for a career in the field of farm mechanization
Primary objective of this partnership is to bridge the gap between industry requirements and skill sets possessed by youth, ultimately strengthening the workforce in farm mechanization sector
The Northern Region Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institute , Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India based in Hisar, Haryana, has signed Memorandum of Understanding  with one of India's foremost manufacturers of tractors and agricultural machinery Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd., Mumbai. This strategic partnership aims to foster skill development among the youth, equipping them with the necessary expertise for a career in the field of farm mechanization.
The MoU outlines a collaborative effort to offer comprehensive training programs that will prepare young individuals for the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural machinery industry. The primary objective of this partnership is to bridge the gap between industry requirements and the skill sets possessed by the youth, ultimately strengthening the workforce in the farm mechanization sector.
Key Highlights of the MoU:
Skill Development Programs: NRFMTTI and the leading agricultural machinery manufacturer will jointly design and implement skill development programs tailored to the specific needs of the farm machinery industry.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Mahindra will develop world-class training facilities, laboratories, and experienced faculty to ensure high-quality training for the enrolled students.
Industry-Linked Curriculum: The training curriculum will be designed to align closely with industry demands, ensuring that graduates are job-ready upon completion of their training.
Internship and Placement Support: The partnership will facilitate internship opportunities for students within the manufacturing company, providing them with practical exposure to real-world industry operations. Additionally, the manufacturer will actively participate in NRFMTTI's placement efforts, aiding in job placements for graduates.
Speaking on this momentous occasion, the Director of NRFMTTI, Dr. Mukesh Jain expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "This partnership marks a significant step in our mission to prepare the youth for a prosperous future in the agricultural machinery industry. By combining NRFMTTI's expertise in training and the Mahindra and Mahindra’s industry knowledge, we are confident in our ability to nurture skilled professionals who will contribute to the growth of the sector."
Ministry of Railways
ER TO RUN PASSENGER SPECIAL TRAINS BETWEEN SEALDAH & LALGOLA
Kolkata, November 21, 2021
To facilitate the passengers, Eastern Railway’s Sealdah Division has decided to run passenger special trains between Sealdah & Lalgola with effect from November 23, 2021.
03171 Sealdah – Lalgola Fast Passenger Special will leave Sealdah at 03:45 hrs daily to reach Lalgola at 09:30 hrs on the same day. 03192 Lalgola – Sealdah Passenger Special will leave Lalgola at 14:30 hrs daily to reach Sealdah at 20:10 hrs. on the same day.
Passengers are requested to maintain appropriate COVID-19 behaviour while entering Railway premises and during journey into the train.
CG/SS
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